The Cactus Speaks: ‘So we all meet again…’

[EDITOR’S NOTE: This column by Earl Gipson is a view of SeaTac city government. It does not necessarily reflect the views of The SeaTac Blog nor its staff. We are seeking additional regular columnists to reflect different opinions and views of SeaTac residents. Those interested can e-mail us at [email protected].]

Town Hall Meeting 04/05/16
The Council fielded most questions quite well to the (roughly) 50 residents present, however the lingering issues of parking, trash, code enforcement, etc. continue to dog and degrade our city. Some residents there, point blank, said they are seriously considering leaving because of it. Hold on a bit longer, I say.

It was also brought out that many of our issues are a lack of money and impact mitigation from the airport. Sea-Tac Airport is going to charge a $5 fee for each Uber trip pickup, but our City gets nada of that nor were we consulted or invited to the table.

Sharing, equitable compensation, and mitigation are not the airport’s strong suits.

Our relationship with the Port: My semi-warped view
Let me use an analogy (you noticed I love these) to describe our relationship with the airport. Our ship (City of SeaTac) has been at sea a long time and we are running out of fresh water, food, and a couple of mutinies have occurred fighting over scraps (budget, code enforcement, Councilmember replacement etc.).

We have known there were supplies close by (Port of Seattle) but to turn the ship’s prow in that direction takes a cooperative effort by the crew (staff) and officers (City Council) and oarsmen (residents) to point us at the re-supply line.

We are/were simply going in circles as the left/right oarsmen (residents divided) were paddling in opposite directions depending on what the uncooperative officers told them (Council). The rest of the crew (staff) are just trying not to get thrown overboard as we come close to paddling over the edge of the historically flat earth (it’s round. I know. ha-ha).

The mighty ship of SeaTac is slowly turning and is aiming straight at the re-supply line (Port of Seattle) lest we starve, sink, or kill each other in another mutiny. I ask the Port welcome us and help (re-negotiation of the ILA). We don’t know how many cannons or any nukes we may have in the cargo hold (been too busy to look) but I’m sure we will examine what’s down there very soon. Our ship seems to have nothing to lose at this point.

Yet another nautical theme. Did I get too carried away with this one?

Special Council Meeting 04/06/16
It wasn’t very special. This is SeaTac. Interim City Manager (Mr. Payne) resigns, Council accepts it, designates Acting City Manager (CED Director Joe Scorcio). Moving on and turning/aiming the ship of SeaTac at what we really need to survive.

Cactus Music Selection
Don’t read too much into this (maybe the Port could). It is a nice melody before bedtime.